PASTORS BLOG

​"Thoughts for the Journey"

October 2017

​"Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he considered perceptive." Proverbs 17:28

God's word is always true and enlightening. That is especially true in this passage. In recent days, the words of this verse need to be heeded! It is so easy for people to jump to conclusions. I will be honest and say I did that in the wake of the Las Vegas shooting. I assumed somethings that to this point have not been verified. We are seeing it in professional sports and politics. Athletes refusing to stand in order to support a cause, when many don't even realize what the cause is. Politicians and celebrities who promote tolerance and liberal agendas, just to promote a certain legislation, or throw out misleading statistics to try to sway opinion. They look wise and intelligent, until they open their mouths. But, as I said, I have been guilty of the same. Now, I have never claimed to be the wisest owl in the tree. But, I am learning that sometimes the wisest thing to do is to shut up! Sometimes the best thing to say is to say nothing at all. Ephesians 4:29 has become a favorite verse for me the past several years. "Let no corrupt word proceed from your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." In light of the tragedy in Las Vegas, the shooting in Antioch church last weekend, and other tragic events, it's easy to allow personal biases and hate to shape our words. Let's be reflective before we speak. Let's build up with our words, and not tear down. Let's be diffusers of grace and not dispensers of hate. Let's remember what our momma's said, and what God's Word teaches, "if you can't say anything good, don't say anything at all."